Continuous Prayer

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            I started reading a book and the focus of the book was about a pilgrim roaming his way through life seeking what continuous prayer meant. The book drew me in because I too wanted to know what it was to pray continuously. I also wanted to know where the book ends and if he ever found the meaning he was seeking.

A Russian Christian wrote the book, then R.M. French translated this mystical classic; its title is “The Way of a Pilgrim”.  The individual in the book is looking for ways to get closer to God, and religious leaders from every town tells him that he had to practice continuous prayer. He started his quest after going to church and hearing the word of God, the Gospel to  “pray without ceasing” and so he set out to learn how to do this.

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            So I tried it, I started by reciting the “Our Father” over an over, before going to bed, or while alone on the road, especially on long trips. I found it kept me calm.  I chose the “Our Father” because this prayer comes right out of the Bible. Jesus tells us to how to pray, through this prayer and to do it often.

            Now I find myself praying when I am walking, doing household chores, and shopping to name a few times that silent prayer can be done. I find it helps me to stay focus on what I am doing and I found that it brought me tranquility.

In this book, the pilgrim repeats “ Lord Jesus Christ Have Mercy On Me”, and constantly refers to himself as a sinner. Looking at that sentence alone, I have come to realize that by repeating a prayer and referring to oneself as a sinner has brought me closer to God. Since I am praying more frequently, and looking forward to reading the Bible; and other religious books which gives me a whole new perspective on life and religion.

I am sure whatever your religion, you can pray whenever you have the opportunity, I would not go as far as the pilgrim who went on for years seeking solitude, and praying continuously.

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